Across the United States, the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, represents an insidious threat to public health and environmental safety. These so-called “forever chemicals” are pervasive, resistant to degradation, and increasingly found within public water systems. A recent study by West Virginia University (WVU) economists has illuminated the stark
Earth
In a time when climate change insights are more critical than ever, Earth System Models (ESMs) must be scrutinized for their effectiveness, particularly in representing the delicate hydrology of wetlands. Conventional models, despite their intricate designs, often oversimplify wetland dynamics, leading to surrounding uncertainties in their predictive capabilities. The recent research from the Pacific Northwest
The Gulf Stream plays a pivotal role in regulating global climates, particularly in Europe. This surface ocean current, which originates in the Gulf of Mexico, travels up the eastern United States before crossing the Atlantic to deliver warm water to European shores, essentially acting as a significant radiator for the continent. However, recent studies reveal
Long Island Sound, nestled along the dynamic backdrop of New York’s coastal landscape, serves as a vital artery for both transportation and ecological diversity. Yet, its importance is often overshadowed by the consequences of urbanization and industrial activity. The bustling activities of passenger ferries, fishing vessels, and commercial cargo ships create a heavy burden on
Droughts traditionally conjure images of prolonged arid conditions, often spanning years. However, a new breed of drought is capturing attention: flash droughts. These events materialize within a matter of days or weeks, delivering abrupt and severe dry conditions that can catch communities off-guard. Dr. Ashok Mishra from Texas A&M University and his international research team
The groundbreaking research spearheaded by an international team, including pivotal contributions from UCL researchers, has cast a new light on the carbon sequestration capacities of Mozambique’s miombo woodlands. This study, recently published in *Communications Earth & Environment*, reveals that these extensive woodlands, which stretch across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, may sequester significantly more carbon than
Recent findings from a coalition of non-governmental organizations have brought to light a disturbing reality: Europe’s drinking water is tainted with substances commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These compounds, scientifically identified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are notorious for their exceptional resistance to environmental degradation. The implications of such widespread contamination are profound,
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, emerges as a significant player in the complex narrative of climate change. While often overshadowed by concerns surrounding carbon dioxide, its impact on global warming is dramatically severe, particularly in relation to marine environments like the North Sea. Recent insights from Tim de Groot, an oceanographer at NIOZ, illuminate a
Recent revelations from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History have shed new light on a long-debated aspect of our planet’s history—the chemical stability of Earth’s mantle. By analyzing ancient rocks believed to be over 2.5 billion years old, researchers not only provided insight into Earth’s primordial geological processes but also countered previously established theories
The retreat of high mountain glaciers has become an alarming phenomenon over recent decades, accelerating since the 1980s. While the effects of this glacier retreat are widely recognized—chief among them, the increase in glacier runoff—the environmental implications of this melting process are far-reaching and complex. The core issue at hand lies in understanding the interplay
The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels has raised urgent concerns regarding climate change and its devastating impacts. As efforts intensify to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, geologic carbon storage has emerged as a vital strategy for sequestering CO2. However, the effectiveness of this storage approach is largely contingent upon our ability to monitor and
Lakes are often the unsung heroes of our planet’s ecosystem. They not only provide vital habitats for countless species but also support human livelihoods and contribute to climate regulation. Unfortunately, a groundbreaking study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that the situation for lakes is growing increasingly dire due to climate change. The researchers, through simulations
The Northwest Passage (NWP) has long captured the imagination of maritime enthusiasts and global trade proponents alike. This elusive waterway, stretching through the Arctic Circle and linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was once thought to hold promise as a shortcut for shipping routes, especially in light of climate change. However, a recent analysis published
In the realm of severe weather studies, scientists are perpetually seeking innovative methods to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tornado detection. A recent study proposes an intriguing approach that could redefine the conceptual landscape of tornado tracking. Researchers are now investigating the application of cosmic rays—notoriously elusive high-energy particles—in analyzing supercell thunderstorms, the breeding
Recent research conducted by a collaborative team from China, Germany, and the United States illuminates a striking connection between massive wildfires and the chemical composition of the ozone layer. Published in Science Advances, the study exemplifies how natural disasters like the devastating 2019/20 Australian bushfires can reverberate through the atmosphere in unforeseen ways. While previous